How do you prep your fabric?
08-25-2014, 01:16 PM
#12
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Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Sonoma County, CA
Posts: 4,299
Originally Posted by joe'smom
I pre-wash all fabrics in warm water, because I prefer working with clean (chemical-free) fabric, and because I don't like the idea of fabric shrinking unevenly after it's been sewn together; that seems potentially problematic to me. I don't pre-test my fabric for bleeding, though I think that's a good idea. I do group my fabrics for color when pre-washing, and use a color catcher for most loads (and they do often come out with quite a bit of color in them.) I dry the fabric in the dryer, then hand press and fold for storage. I press the fabric before cutting, using Best Press.
08-25-2014, 01:17 PM
#13
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Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 25
Wow, I'm surprised that so far the majority pre-washes. I had never heard of a "color catcher" before. I also especially like the idea of dipping in boiling water to test. Also, the point of washing away chemicals is reason enough for me to pre-wash. My son has sensitive skin so if for no other reason, that is good enough.
08-25-2014, 01:18 PM
#14
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Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Tulsa, Ok
Posts: 4,582
I preWash all dark color fabric yardage. I preWash light colors sometimes if I have the time and energy. If i do preWash I iron with spray starch before using. I rarely use precuts but if I do I never preWash them..
08-25-2014, 01:24 PM
#15
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Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 25
Originally Posted by ube quilting
I do pre- wash every fabric with just a little detergent and no softener, gentle/ short cycle.
Either dry in machine on low setting or hang outside (weather).
I do not iron fabric at this point but straighten and fold it and put into stock shelf.
I double starch on back, press on front ( starch & press - starch & press). I do this after I cut the amount I want to use off the main length of fabric. It just makes it easier to handle. Re fold the main piece and place in basket that goes with project. I like to keep all my fabrics for one project together in case I want to cut more.
I also don't like to cut out an entire quilt at one time. What if I cut it all wrong!
After the starch& press I will begin to sub cut the fabric into the pieces I need for the project.
Why do I do this? It really does make the fabric easier to handle, controls fraying and distortion. The number one reason is because I like to play with fabric. It is all part of the joy of making a quilt. There is a meditation and calmness in doing these acts as part of the creative process. I love it.
peace
Either dry in machine on low setting or hang outside (weather).
I do not iron fabric at this point but straighten and fold it and put into stock shelf.
I double starch on back, press on front ( starch & press - starch & press). I do this after I cut the amount I want to use off the main length of fabric. It just makes it easier to handle. Re fold the main piece and place in basket that goes with project. I like to keep all my fabrics for one project together in case I want to cut more.
I also don't like to cut out an entire quilt at one time. What if I cut it all wrong!
After the starch& press I will begin to sub cut the fabric into the pieces I need for the project.
Why do I do this? It really does make the fabric easier to handle, controls fraying and distortion. The number one reason is because I like to play with fabric. It is all part of the joy of making a quilt. There is a meditation and calmness in doing these acts as part of the creative process. I love it.
peace
08-25-2014, 01:31 PM
#16
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Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 11,276
Do an experiment. Take a yard of printed cotton. Measure both the length and width. Machine wash & dry. I have found that if you put a yard in, you get a yard out BUT it almost always shrinks width of fabric. Sometimes a half inch, sometimes almost 2. I prewash everything. Prints shrink and Batiks bleed. I am also a starcher. 1/2 StaFlo, 1/2 water, dip the fabric, dry till damp, then iron.
08-25-2014, 01:33 PM
#17
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Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: SW Missouri
Posts: 2,988
Originally Posted by SueSew
Another vote for skip the pre-wash. If you have to starch and size it back up after washing what is the point?
Don't shoot!
Don't shoot!
08-25-2014, 01:43 PM
#18
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Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Truly in the middle of a forest
Posts: 238
Like others, I pre-wash. I have allergies and develop a cough if I don't. Washer/dryer, just as I expect the quilt will be washed, so hopefully, no further shrinking. To be honest, I use good fabric and I've yet to have significant shrinking except with flannel. I hand press out of the dryer, then iron and press with starch before cutting. It gives the fabric a bit more body and makes it easier to work with.
Welcome to the board.
Welcome to the board.
08-25-2014, 01:50 PM
#20
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Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Mableton, GA
Posts: 11,194
The only thing I've pre washed is flannel, and maybe something from a garage sale if it isn't "fresh" smelling. So far I haven't had any problems. I'm not a starcher. I have Best Press, Niagara, and the old discontinued Bounce. They don't do much for me. That being said, I don't do intricate quilts, mostly patchwork or strips.
Also, to the OP, we have a search function you might try using as a start to your questions and then go from there. I'm pretty sure the wash vs. no wash has been discussed a bunch of times. And still no consensus!!!
Also, to the OP, we have a search function you might try using as a start to your questions and then go from there. I'm pretty sure the wash vs. no wash has been discussed a bunch of times. And still no consensus!!!
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